Insider’s Guide: Five things to do in London’s Chinatown

It’s Chinese New Year and we’re celebrating the Year of the Pig until 15 February. To mark the occasion, we want to share our ultimate insider’s guide to London’s Chinatown. From great restaurants and must-eat Dim Sum, to authentic Chinese bakeries serving scrumptious sweet treats, here’s how you make the most of this historic district.

Delicious dumplings

Dumplings’ Legend, 15/16 Gerrard Street
From soup dumplings to dim sum, Dumplings’ Legend has a cracking reputation for serving some of London’s finest silky dumplings that simply pop in the mouth. Order them steamed, grilled or fried and enjoy tasty fillings such as minced pork dumplings with crab roe, Cantonese shrimp, spicy duck and of course vegetarian options too. Dig into plates of the good stuff with friends and try as many of the menu dishes as your tummies can muster.

Sing your heart out

Royal Dragon Karaoke Restaurant, 30 Gerrard Steet
Did someone say… karaoke? Sing to your heart’s content in a pre-booked karaoke room at the Royal Dragon where you can order cocktails and belt out classics as loud as you like. You can always start your evening with a sit-down dinner in the restaurant if you think you’ll need fuel for all those power ballads.
rdklondon.co.uk

Tasty traditional dishes

Four Seasons, 12 Gerrard Street
For some of the best traditional Chinese and Cantonese dishes in Chinatown, Four Seasons should be your restaurant. If it’s a belly-busting spread of noodles, rice or sweet & sour mains you’re after, you won’t be disappointed eating them here. Four Seasons has been revered for its duck dishes too, so meat-eaters should dig into the famous roast duck to see what all the fuss is about.
fs-restaurants.co.uk

Enjoy a cocktail

The Experimental Cocktail Club, 13a Gerrard Street
Add a touch of mystery to your Chinatown experience with this secret speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind a door on bustling Gerrard Street. Inside, the décor is effortlessly cool, dimly lit and cosy. The cocktails are imaginative and inventive, though expensive, so we recommend you only go when you’re feeling extra flush. Book a table in advance to ensure you get a seat.
experimentalcocktailclublondon.com

Bangin’ sweet treats

Chinatown Bakery, 7 Newport Place
With sweet and savoury treats available, Chinatown Bakery is the ultimate grab-and-go staple in Soho. From chicken curry slices, roasted pork pastries, fish shaped cream cakes to coconut and pineapple buns, you’ll find plenty of delicacies and delicious snacks to see you through the day. Check out the amazing home-baked birthday cakes, which have seriously awesome piping and edible decorations on top.